Vulvovaginal candidiasis

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common disorder that affects millions of women. For therapeutic purposes, patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis should be classified as having complicated or uncomplicated disease. Various host factors, including genetic, biologic, and behavioral, can affect host colonization with yeast species and transformation to symptomatic infection. Treatment should be individualized to each patient's circumstances. Although there is a clear need for better use of diagnostic modalities and development of better treatment alternatives, most patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis at least have the perspective of achieving adequate control of their symptoms. Future advances, particularly in the area of home diagnostics, may help to optimize use of currently available medicines.